Roulette Glossary: Essential Terms You Should Know

Roulette is a thrilling and timeless casino game that has been a favourite of many players, especially here in the UK. Whether you’re new to the game or have been playing for years, understanding the terms used in roulette is crucial for making the most out of your experience. In this article, I’ll walk you through the essential terms you should know, ensuring you’re ready to spin the wheel with confidence. Let’s dive in!

The Basics of Roulette

Before diving into the nitty-gritty of the terms, let’s take a moment to understand the basics of roulette. The game revolves around a spinning wheel with numbers from 0 to 36 (in European roulette) and 00 to 36 (in American roulette). These numbers are arranged in a specific pattern, with red and black numbers alternating, except for the green 0 (or 00). Players place bets on where they think the ball will land, and the outcome determines whether they win or lose.

Roulette comes in two main variations: European roulette and American roulette. The key difference lies in the number of zeros on the wheel. European roulette features a single zero, while American roulette includes both a single zero and a double zero. This difference impacts the house edge, making European roulette slightly more favourable for players.

Common Roulette Terms

When you sit down to play, you’ll encounter a variety of terms that can seem overwhelming at first. Let’s break down some of the most common ones:

• Inside Bets: These are bets placed on the numbered section of the roulette table. They have higher payouts but are riskier. Examples include the straight-up bet, split bet, and street bet.
• Outside Bets: These bets are placed on the outer section of the table. They cover groups of numbers and offer better odds. Examples include red/black, odd/even, and high/low bets.
• Straight-Up Bet: A bet placed on a single number. It offers the highest payout (35 to 1) but comes with a lower probability of winning.
• Split Bet: A bet placed on two adjacent numbers. This bet offers a payout of 17 to 1.
• Street Bet: A bet placed on a row of three numbers, offering a payout of 11 to 1.
• Column Bet: A bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers. If your column wins, you get a 2 to 1 payout.
• Dozen Bet: A bet placed on one of the three dozens (1-12, 13-24, 25-36). This also offers a payout of 2 to 1.

Roulette Payouts

Understanding roulette payouts is key to managing your expectations and making better betting decisions. Here’s a quick guide to how payouts work for different bets:

Advanced Roulette Terms

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, it’s time to level up your knowledge. Let’s explore some of the more advanced roulette terms that will help you understand the game better:

• La Partage: A rule available in European roulette that allows you to recover half of your even-money bet if the ball lands on zero. This reduces the house edge for even-money bets.
• En Prison: Another rule found in European roulette, similar to La Partage, where your even-money bet is “locked” for the next spin if the ball lands on zero. If you win the next spin, you get your original bet back.
• Rien Ne Va Plus: This is the phrase used by the dealer to announce that no more bets can be placed. It’s crucial to wait until this phrase is uttered before placing your bets.
• Double Zero: Specific to American roulette, this refers to the additional 00 slot on the wheel. This increases the house edge, making American roulette slightly less favourable for players than its European counterpart.
• House Edge: The percentage advantage that the casino has over players. In European roulette, the house edge is around 2.7%, while in American roulette, it’s 5.26% due to the extra zero.

Betting Strategies and Systems

Roulette is a game of chance, but many players use betting strategies to try to increase their chances of winning. While no strategy can guarantee success, understanding them can help you make more informed decisions. Here are a few common ones:

• Martingale Strategy: This is one of the most well-known betting strategies. The idea is simple: double your bet after every loss. This ensures that when you win, you recover your losses and make a profit. However, this strategy can be risky, especially if you hit a long losing streak.
• Fibonacci Sequence: This betting system is based on the famous Fibonacci sequence. You increase your bet by adding the last two bets together. This strategy is less aggressive than Martingale but can still be risky.
• D’Alembert System: This system suggests you increase your bet by one unit after a loss and decrease it by one unit after a win. It’s a more conservative approach compared to Martingale.
• Labouchère System: This strategy involves setting a sequence of numbers that represent your bet amounts. After each win or loss, you cross out numbers and adjust your bets accordingly. It can be complex but offers a structured approach.

Special Terms in Online Roulette

With the rise of online casinos, many players prefer playing roulette online. Online roulette comes with its own set of terms and concepts, which are important to understand:

• Live Roulette: In live roulette, you play against a real dealer through a live video feed. This brings a more immersive experience, akin to being at a brick-and-mortar casino, but from the comfort of your home.
• Random Number Generator (RNG): For online roulette games that don’t feature live dealers, an RNG is used to determine the outcome of each spin. This technology ensures that each spin is entirely random and fair.
• Virtual Roulette: This is another term for roulette games that rely on RNG technology, as opposed to live dealer games. While virtual roulette games don’t offer the same immersive experience, they are faster and available 24/7.

Understanding the Wheel and Table Layout

To fully understand roulette, it’s crucial to get familiar with the layout of both the wheel and the table. Here are some key points:

• European vs. American Layout: In European roulette, the wheel has 37 slots (numbers 1-36 and a single 0), while American roulette features 38 slots (numbers 1-36 and both a 0 and 00). The addition of the 00 increases the house edge, making European roulette more favourable for players.
• Inside vs. Outside Bets on the Table: Inside bets are placed on the numbered section of the table, and they offer higher payouts but come with lower odds of winning. Outside bets are placed on the outer section of the table, covering larger groups of numbers and offering better odds but lower payouts.
• Call Bets: These are special bets that cover specific areas of the roulette table. Some examples include Voisins du Zero, Tiers du Cylindre, and Orphelins. These bets are popular among more experienced players.

Roulette Etiquette and Terminology for Live Casino

When playing live casino roulette, there are a few key terms and etiquette rules you should know. Here are some helpful tips:

• Place Your Bets: This is the dealer’s way of telling players to begin placing their bets. It’s important to do so quickly, as the dealer will soon announce “Rien Ne Va Plus” to signal the end of betting.
• No More Bets: This is another phrase you’ll hear often in live roulette. It’s the dealer’s way of announcing that no more bets can be placed for that round.
• Collect Your Winnings: After the outcome of a spin, the dealer will announce this phrase to indicate that it’s time for players to collect their winnings.

Glossary of Common Roulette Terms

Here’s a concise list of essential roulette terms with brief definitions to keep handy while you play:

• Call Bets: Special bets that cover groups of numbers.
• Straight-Up Bet: A bet placed on a single number.
• Split Bet: A bet placed on two adjacent numbers.
• Inside Bet: A bet placed on the numbered section of the table.
• Outside Bet: A bet placed on the outer section of the table.
• Black Bet: A bet on all black numbers.
• Red Bet: A bet on all red numbers.
• Even Money Bets: Bets on outcomes like red/black, odd/even.
• Zero: The green pocket on the wheel.
• European Roulette: Roulette with one zero (0) on the wheel.
• American Roulette: Roulette with two zeros (0 and 00) on the wheel.

Conclusion

Understanding the terminology and concepts behind roulette is key to becoming a confident player. The more familiar you are with the terms and betting options, the better your chances of making informed decisions. Whether you’re playing at a land-based casino or enjoying roulette on a mobile app, mastering these terms will help you make the most out of your experience. Play responsibly, have fun, and may the wheel land in your favour!